The Jordan Valley Authority has awarded to Turkish contractor í–zaltin the construction of the $86 million Al Wehda dam in the northern Jordanian region of Maqaren on the Yarmuk River, which flows from Syria into Jordan. Associated works include a 2 x 600 m tunnel, 3.5 m in diameter, to be driven in limestone. The final lining will consist of a 40 cm-thick layer. Construction to begin in June and last 30 months. Jordan will finance the project thanks to loans from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. Visit www.ozaltin.com.tr 16/03.

Contract award to consortium of Raytheon and Wisconsin Central to run freight railway line on behalf of government. Agreement involves construction of two extensions in order to connect the fertiliser factory near one end of the Aquaba line with the El Shidiya phosphate mine. Two tunnels with a total length of 1 km will be needed. Systra is conducting feasibility study in association with local consultants. November 1999.